AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE U.S. PERSPECTIVE

AbstractBy 2040 21% of those living in the U.S. will be 65 years of age and older. U.S. citizens come from different cultures and bring with them varying views of aging. However, the U.S. has long been a country with a primary focus on youth. Even though the U.S. population is rapidly becoming older, ageism persists. It is estimated that 20% of the older population experience mental health problems, including dementias, depression, anxiety and substance misuse. However, ageism and mental health stigma create barriers to adequate attention being focused on later-life mental health issues. National health insurance programs reimburse for mental health services for older adults, and recent federal policies have increased insurance compensation for metal health disorders. However, application of the federal policies vary by state, and service gaps still exit. Cultural and political factors impacting older adult mental health services will be considered.